Sent to us from Belgium to add to our site, hope find it of interest
Dear Deans Marine,
Here as told, a short report about the sinking of HMS Sentinel for your customers site,(but probably you have to make some corrections in text as English is not my first language )
The sinking of HMS Sentinel
I made my first Dean's model more than 15 years ago, it was very reliable on sea till I placed heavier lead batteries. The deck could be removed almost entirely so it was easier to place the batteries. Due to windy weather some waves went over the deck-surface but also into some small gaps between deck and hull. At the end the ship laid deeper and deeper in the water and before I noticed, she sunk dramatically, the same way as the Titanic did, nose almost vertically in the water. A horrible moment for me. It happened more than 65 feet from ashore in a depth of more than 10 feet. (3 meters). The same night It was difficult to catch some sleep.
Next morning a club member's son, a diver, tried to find the wreck. Very difficult because there was almost no visibility.
After more than half an hour diving, he could find one of the three funnels! Next dive he succeeded to bring the ship to the surface.
After a night in the water, the batteries were still ok, even the motors did their job again after a good cleaning.. On the contrary receiver and speed control were total loss, only three crew figures could be saved..
Seven months ago I started restoration with some new Dean's parts, and lots of help from the Deans Marine Tech dept, the correct batteries as suggested, by them, guns from JR Haynes and some other new lifeboats.
Now the upper structure has a large opening again but provided with coamings to ensure no water is coming inside again.
Now Sentinel is sailing again, but still I don't let her go too far from shore!.
Now for my next Deans kit.